1st Day of Preschool

Bailey outside of our front door.
Lunch bag in hand ready to get in the car.

Story time with Mrs. Riggins

The very attentive students.

Listening to the story.

We had a successful start to preschool. No tears (from all parties involved)! We had gone for a few visits this summer to get her acquainted with the school. She was a bit hesitant when we got there, the school was a buzzing from all of the excitement. But, within a minute or two, she sat down outside for a little free play and even followed her teacher into the classroom to get the day started. We stayed just long enough to snap a few quick pictures, and then waved good-bye and Colby and I were off on our way. It's been a solid hour now and no phone calls from the preschool!!!! It's eerily silent in the house, Raif is snoozing away and so are the dogs. I think I shall go have another cup of coffee!

Grandmommy Dorothy's Birthday

Great-Grandmommy's 92nd birthday.
Colby's Parents, Grandmommy and us.
We joined Colby's parents and Grandmommy for her 92nd birthday at Virginia Country Club on Monday. We had a wonderful lunch followed by a delicious creative cakery cake. Bailey and Raif are fortunate to have 3 great-grandmas still with us.

Block Party at the Ireland's

Bailey with her decorated bike.
Aaron won the chili cook-off and Colby came in 3rd.

Raif enjoying the little bounce house.

Bailey striking a pose in the bounce house.

Bailey riding her bike in the parade.

On Sunday, we went over to Julian Ave. for the Ireland's block party. The fabulous neighbors of Julian Avenue did a wonderful job of having lots of fun activites for everyone to enjoy. There was a chili cook-off, bike decorating followed by a parade, a bounce house, and lots of fun games and activities. See the Ireland blog www.aaronandsarahireland.blogspot.com for more fun pictures.

Last Summer Trip to Disneyland

My mom and I took the kids to Disneyland one last time before summer was over. We stood in line for the princesses and Bailey actually wanted pictures with her brother and the princesses. Raif wasn't sure what was going on. He sat there staring at the princesses but finally looked over at the camera for some cute photos.

Raif Learned to Clap

I love this age. They learn so many new things and are so proud of themselves!

My Garden

Red Leaved Banana
Red Leaved Banana with Picturata Aucuba

Unkown Palm, I forgot to ask

Persian Shield

It's been a lot of trial and error, but with a big Boomer dog who likes to urinate all over my flowers, I had to switch to some bigger, more sturdy plants. I absolutely love flowers, but Boomer and Lily have killed almost all of them. I went with my dad to Armstrong's and got some tropical looking plants to go in the garden. Hopefully, these will last. My favorite is definitely the red leaved banana. It should grow to about 12 feet tall, it will be fun to see how big it gets.

The Ice Cream Boy

Yummy!
So Good!
Bailey, Raif and I went over to my neighbor Anne's house for a playdate with her two girls, Annabelle and Vicki. We had tons of fun, and she introduced Raif to these tiny little popsicles that are "slow melt," perfect for little ones. She thought Raif was so cute with them that she brought him another one for a treat at our house. Needless to say, I had to go and buy some at the store. Bailey eats these in about a minute. So, she gets the big popsicles and Raif gets the baby size ones. Bailey no longer has to be chased around the house by her brother to get some of her popsicle. Now he can have his own!